Little Tootsie left us on February 3rd, 2019...less than three weeks after we lost Henry. For those who wish to hear the story, and to take the journey, Seth Andrews speaks about "Rat Dog" and the community that loved her.

I'm not a dog owner, but I felt like I knew Henry and Tootsie. I was shocked and saddened by Henry's passing, and I'm gutted to hear that Tootsie is gone now too. My thoughts are with both of you, Seth and Natalie. And with Henry and Tootsie, too.

Having been in "the room" myself, this just brings back so many emotions. It will be 7 years this May since our awful day. I relive it every time I hear of someone else going through it. While we are so privileged to be able to have these kinds of choices available to us, having to make that decision, the final awful decision, is simply gut wrenching, and beyond words. After waiting three years, my wife and I have given ourselves over, once again, to the probability of having to face "the room", by adopting a rescue dog. I try to compartmentalize this fact, but the reality is always present somewhere in my mind. We humans are such strange creatures, having voluntarily attached our very hearts to all manner of wild creature. But the reward is simply too great to not keep going back, over and over again, to that very special place. I started listening to this at work, but a few minutes into it the emotions just became too raw. I will listen it in a more appropriate place, where I can allow my feelings and emotions the proper range and freedom they need to manage this sad story. Peace to you and Natalie. I would hug you both very tightly, if I could. Like thousands of others you have never met, we are grieving with you.

Couldn’t NOT listen to what you had to say. I knew it would make me cry, and I knew I would wish that there was something I could do to help you in your pain, and knowing that there is nothing I can do to help in any real way.

I’ve sat in that quiet room far too many times, and every time I’m there, I promise myself that this will be the last time I put myself through this. But even in the thick of that heartache, I know I’m lying to myself. I know I’ll be back inside that room again.